Tackle It Tuesday

I have lots of things to tackle today but none of it is photo worthy. I have already called the mortgage guy, read the blogs, perused our inspection report and started laundry. Unfortunately I couldn't get up early like normal so I feel like I'm behind. I was up sick the night before so I desperately needed to catch up on the sleep. I'm mean when I get tired, just ask my family. To make it worse I had to sign papers at the realtor's office for 2 hours last night on no sleep for a bid we are putting in. You would think I would get stuff done and be off the computer but I'm hooked!!

Anway, I have to go get some groceries from Walmart and pay the bills along with taking the kids to the pool. After the pool I'm going to straighten up the house. We have been in and out so much its starting to accumulate. I read Tina's blog and now I'm reminded that my living room ceiling fan needs to be cleaned so I will tackle that. I will also try to tackle the fish and frog bowls and clean them out. Depending on all that I may wash our horse because she stinks. I think that would be photo worthy. Picture me putting my 75 lb dog in the bathtub. Actually the last time she didn't fight me on it and just climbed in. Let's hope for that.

2nd iPod Music Monday

Here is my strange and unusual list for this week.

1. The Hairbrush Song - Veggie Tales: Who doesn't like this song?? While the children are starting to grow out of Veggie Tales this is a favorite of Doug and I. We go crazy when we hear this song!

2. Motorcycle Drive By - Third Eye Blind: I told you there would be a lot by them. I love this song because it makes you remember that no matter how much you are hurting at least it makes you feel alive.

3. Truly, Madly, Deeply - Savage Garden: This was our wedding song. Need I say more!

4. Yeah! - Usher: This is just a fun, dance around the house kind of song.

5. Paradise City - Guns N' Roses: Here's a little nostalgia. I know you don't want to admit it but you liked them too.

6. Upside Down - Jack Johnson: This is Garrett's favorite song because he loves Curious George. When I listen to it reminds me of lot of Garrett's personality, especially when it says that he wants to turn the whole world upside down. Does that sound like Garrett or what?

High School Meme

I saw this meme on KC's site and thought it would be fun.

1.Who was your best friend? I didn't have just one best friend. I was probably the closest to my boyfriend Dan though.
2. Did you play any sports? I was on track for a little but tennis was my sport. I still love it! When I hold a racket it feels like part of my hand.
3. What kind of car did you drive? A 1985 Ford Tempo. It started out gray then we painted it blue.
4. It’s Friday night. Where were you? Probably working, out on a date with Dan and/or at our high school football game.
5. Were you a party animal? Not at all. I waited until I was 21!
6. Were you considered a flirt? No.
7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir? No.
8. Were you a nerd? I don't think I was then but I'm a big nerd now!
9. Were you ever suspended or expelled? I never got in trouble at school.
10. Can you sing the fight song? I don't even know what ours sounds like.
11. Who was your favorite teacher? Mr. Schwenk for Physics.
12. What was your school mascot? Vanguard
13. Did you go to the Prom? Yes Jr. and Sr. of mine and Jr. and Sr. for Dan's
14. If you could go back, would you? I would and I let myself have more fun this time around but I would have studied hardier. I would also would not have dated exclusively. I think I missed some fun opportunities. I hope I can teach Robyn that.
15. What do you remember most about graduation? On the night of my graduation we went out to eat at a nice restaurant and when we got home there was the whole O.J. Simpson police chase.
16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day? I can't even remember.
17. Did you have a job your senior year? I worked at Bavarian Pretzel in the Mall. I know I worked there I just can't remember if that was my senior year or not.
18. Where did you go most often for lunch? We weren't allowed to leave school for lunch.
19. Have you gained weight since then? No, I've lost 10lbs since then.
20. What did you do after graduation? Went out with family for dinner.
21. What year did you graduate? 1994
22. Who was your Senior Prom Date? Dan
23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion? I went and had fun.

A New House?

Yesterday we went out to look at houses again. There were a couple of promising ones but this is the one we are really interested in. The other house was in perfect condition which means that when we have to move again in a few years we couldn't make much money off of it. This house we can probably get much cheaper but it needs a lot of work but luckily its all work we can do so we should really be able to turn it around. The neighborhood is great and the school district has the highest rating available for the state. We have done the research and found that the houses around it are selling for much more for the same design. We just need to put work into it. At first I was hesistant for all the work but I realized that it is still in better condition than our first house and has an extra 700 finished sq. ft. I love the kitchen that is shown above. There is so much you can do with the inspiration from the windows!! The other side that you can't see is cabinets. Its large and I love the windows into the family room. I'm not thrilled with the wallpaper but that will need to change through the house. Luckily I'm a pro now at taking down wallpaper and painting thanks to our first house. Most of the real work will be Doug's but this time he will be home more to do it and its not plumbing!!! He is very excited about the house and has a ton of ideas for it. We put our first bid in and we will have an inspector go through to make sure we aren't missing anything major once the bidding is done. I'll keep you posted.

Friday Fossil Find

Here are pictures of a fun project that the kids had last week. They both really love fossils. Its like a block of clay and they give you a little pick and brush to dig for the fossil inside. They both had a mammoth. All the bones were in there and you have to get all the pieces (I think 11), wash them off and glue them together. It took Robyn about 2 hours to dig hers out. I still haven't gotten around to super gluing it. Garrett was tired after an hour and still needs to go back and finish his. Lessons learned:

1. When Grandma and Grandpa Wolfgang send an art project it is messy. This even surpassed the Valentine making kit that contained glitter.

2. Should have done this outside. There was dirt-like dust all over the kitchen and handprints through the house.

3. Should have used garden hose on children before letting them in the house.

4. It was really fun the watch the kids try something new.

Thursday Thirteen

I have been in OH now for 5 years. There have been many differences that I have noticed.

1. OH has garage sales on Thursdays and Fridays - this is so strange to me

2. OH has snow not ice and can quickly recover from 24 inches by afternoon

3. OH cars have stickers from the different schools for their children - students, students of the month, sports and honor students

4. OH yards have signs with pictures of the sport and player number of their high school kids

5. OH has barely any hills or mountains

6. OH has beaches

7. OH has no smoking in public places

8. OH has drive through stores

9. OH has alcohol in their grocery stores and drive-thrus (doesn't that ask for drunk driving?)

10. OH doesn't have Philly pretzels or cheesesteaks - the pretezels on Philly street corners, WAWA doesn't count - Philly Steak and Cheese at fairs DO NOT count!! :(

11. Our OH location is fun because you see someone you know everywhere you go in town

12. OH doesn't have Rita's Water Ice :(

13. OH doesn't have WAWA's :(

My thoughts suddenly turned to food. Now I have some strong cravings for things I can get. I may need to make a trip to PA before school starts.

Wordless Wednesday

I tried but still can't be wordless. This is a picture of Michelle and Joshua from their visit two weeks ago. That was the first time I met Joshua and he made me feel so loved! Joshua's siblings Haleigh and Caleb were also there. Haleigh and Garrett used to be great friends when they lived out this way. Their birthdays are only 1 day apart.

Tackle It Tuesday

Yesterday I had to clean because the mortgage guy was coming over but today I have to do some more because tomorrow will be the inspection of our house and one of the two marketing analysis' we have to get done. We have tackled a lot in the last week. Doug was able to Dryloc our basement wall where we removed the paneling last summer. Tonight he will be customizing a piece to put over our sump pump. I cleaned out and organized all our our bedroom closets and rooms. I also cleaned the basement bathroom which hasn't been used in a year because of the flood. We had only been using that to empty wet vac water into when the basement flooded before the sump pump was put in. Trust me, you don't want to see pictures of that. Other than that I have just been trying to maintain a feeling of cleanliness for all of these strangers we have coming into our house. I can't imagine what that will be like when we actually list our house for sale! They won't list it until they have the inspection and two marketing analysis reports in.

1st iPod Music Monday

I'm having trouble getting into menu monday since I don't like to think about cooking in the summer. I decided that each Monday I would rather reveal 6 songs from my iPod. I have weird tastes and like all kinds of music so I thought this would be fun. I have to let you know first that music is my downfall as a Christian. Its frustrating for me because I can like the overall sound but don't always agree with the words or actions. These are in no particular order or style. I thought about grouping them but thought it would be more fun for them to be random. Here is the first list:

Let Me Clear My Throat: DJ Kool
These bring back memories of dancing at the clubs when I turned 21.
Where It's At: Beck
This is just a fun song that I remember from high school.
Smile: Lily Allen
This is a newer song that I just love. I'm sad to say that I can relate to her evilness. Unfortunately I can't even put the whole song on here because she throws out the fbomb right away. Why do they have to ruin songs that way?
Starry-Eyed Surprise: Paul Oakenfold
This is just a fun relaxing song. I can't even remember when this one came out.
Semi-Charmed Life: Third Eye Blind
I could write paragraphs about Third Eye Blind. They were my favorite band for a long time. I love the way they write. I went to concerts and everything. I'm sure there will be more songs by them on other lists. This song came at an interesting time in my life. I heard it for the first time after meeting Doug. I heard it and felt so independent and free. I felt like I could do anything I wanted which ultimately made me break up with him for a year so I could be free.
Get It Poppin: Fat Joe ft Nelly
This is just a fun song that I use on my exercise list. I like the over all sound of it.

If you think I'm weird after this list just wait to see what else comes.

Thank you KC!

KC gave me these two awards and I am so flattered! I met KC at MOPs a few years ago and have barely seen her in person since. There always seems to be a sick child or circumstance that keeps us from being at the meetings at the same time. The good thing is that I feel like I know her so well now since she does such a great job updating her blog.

That got me thinking about meeting people off the internet and it made me remember that I met my husband that way. I hardly ever think about it so it makes it too easy to forget. We met on the internet in February of 1997 and met in person in April of 1997. We got along great but I didn't want a long distance relationship so I ended it and we didn't talk or email each other for a whole year. I ended up thinking about him a lot and emailed him and we have been together ever since. We only dated for 4 months which was difficult 8 hours apart so we saw each other about once or twice a month. We married after that 4 months in August of 1998. What a crazy world! I think about that now and it frightens me because of all the scary people out there. I would never let my child do that! I'm just lucky that I married into a nice Christian family that taught me a lot.

Safety Questions

With all the creepy people around I really haven't let my children do too much without me. It just got me thinking about what ages they should be to do certain things. I know a lot depends on the child and their maturity but are there guidelines?

At what age do you let your children use a public restroom alone?
At what age do you let them walk or ride their bike around the block by themselves?
How old should they be to run across the other side of the store to get something for you?
At what age would you let them stay home alone?

I just realized that I haven't thought past the ages they are now and would have no clue on when to let them do what. Do you just get a feeling when the time is right like the motherly instinct that has always guided us?

Can't Be Wordless

For the last week Garrett has been trying to catch Doug sleeping so he can draw a mustache on him. He was close once but only ended up getting his forehead. Doug decided it was time for paybacks last night.

Moving

Since its Monday I should really be doing a Menu Monday but I just can't get into it. I have been just taking it day by day. I really want to start using everything out of my cabinets since we decided that we are going to move. Doug's boss insisted and we found some nice areas to look in. The challenge will be closing on the house and moving in before the school year starts. I would hate for Garrett to start kindergarten somewhere for a few weeks then have to change. That is my only concern about it right now. Once we found out that it was only Cleveland I didn't think we would move but now I'm a little excited about it. We are going to use it as a fresh start and hopefully it will be easier for me to find work there. I have learned a lot from this house so now I am more specific in what I want. No basements unless there is a sump pump and no corner lots! I would love a two story instead of a ranch and I would love a fenced in yard for our beast of a dog. Pray for us! Its tough because God's plan isn't always matched with mine. Example, Cleveland!

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by both KC and Jenn so I guess I better get on it! Here it is:
Four Jobs I've Held:
1. Project Operations Manager
2. Application Developer
3. Desktop/Application Engineer
4. Bank Teller
Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over Again
1. Save the Last Dance
2. Sixteen Candles
3. The Wedding Singer
4. Office Space
Four Places I've Lived
1-4: Is this safe on the internet? PA and OH
Four TV Shows I Watch
1. The Office
2. Big Brother 8
3. Desperate Housewives
4. Fox News alot

I am so excited that Big Brother is on again this summer. Its weird and sick but I love that show! Don't even get me started on how much I love The Office. That definitely deserves a whole blog of its own.
Now I have to go find someone to tag!!

Spongebob Squarepants

From the day Robyn became interested in TV I only wanted her to watch educational shows. Once she caught a glimpse of Spongebob she was interested. For the longest time I wouldn't let her watch it. I was convinced it was an awful show. I started to get lazy and last year I started letting her watch it. Now I love it! It is so funny and its not really bad. I just love watching Patrick, he is my favorite. I know there have been reports that Patrick and Spongebob are gay but I don't see it. I don't think kids look for or think about that kind of thing when they are watching a show. At least not at the age that my children are. I dare you to watch it and not giggle.

Wordless Wednesday

Another Christian!

I have been addicted to Fox News lately. I don't know why but I can watch it for hours at a time or just check in with it during the day. Last week I saw Brian Welch on there. He was the guitarist from Korn. I used to like Korn in my earlier days so I was interested. It turns out that he has turned his life around and quit the band and drugs and found God. He said he had been searching for something and just showed up at church one day. He prayed that if God was real that he would get him off the drugs. Within a week he was through with the drugs and has never been the same since. The other great part of this is that he has a daughter and now she knows the Lord through him. I love when celebrities talk about this because it reaches so many people. This is where you can find the video clip http://www.foxnews.com/foxfriends/index.html. He has a book coming out called Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived To Tell My Story.

Teeball

I never know whether teeball is one word or two so forgive me if its wrong. Garrett started playing teeball last week. Its an informal class through the rec center that meets twice a week and they just play with who ever shows up. We tried it last year and one of us always ended up in tears. He had no interest and would get in trouble with all the free time during the slow moving game. This is year is different though. He pays attention during the game (slacks a little during the last 10 minutes but its progress) and has really become competitive. He goes after every ball and even gets upset if he doesn't catch one. He does better each time he goes so hopefully he will stay interested in it. My boy is finally calming down and following rules!!! Just in time for kindergarten!!!

Fourth of July!!

Here are some pictures of our 4th of July. My niece is the one twirling and my nephews Scott and Alex are carrying the banner. We went to the parade, went to a party and watched fireworks with friends. It was a nice the day and the kids had a great time!

Its Official.....

Doug was given his new assignment last week and its......Cleveland! We are a little disappointed but also relieved. We are not sure yet whether they want us to relocate and if we even would want to relocate if given the choice. He starts there on Monday so he'll be getting more information. The position will be a lot more challenging and easier to advance in so we are thankful. We are also thankful of the location because some of the other ones out there were a lot less desirable.

I Got A Button!

KC gave me a button, that was so sweet!! I will pass this on.